Bakersfield Californian Eye Street Entertainment / 3-24-11 by Matt Munoz

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, March 24, 2011

Eye Street

Index Woman’s Club 115th Birthday Celebration . . . . . .21 Cioppino Feed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 War, Los Lobos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Arts Alive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Spring Ring Concert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 The Lowdown with Matt Munoz . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Healthy Bakersfield Kids Expo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31-33

Editor Jennifer Self | Phone 395-7434 | e-mail jself@bakersfield.com

Dad’s life story should be a movie ... And so it is, as local family puts saga on film BY MATT MUNOZ Bakotopia.com editor mmunoz@bakersfield.com

n paper, the details of Donald P. Bailey’s life story sound a lot like what others of the Greatest Generation experienced: Surviving the Depression, serving in World War II and journeying westward to Bakersfield from Oklahoma during the Dust Bowl migration. But Bailey’s life story isn’t just on paper. His daughter and grandson have seen to that. The two have taken all they’ve heard through the years of Bailey’s determination, courage and charisma and turned those memories into a film. “It’s so appropriate for Kern County and kind of brings a lot of flavor to the area looking back at our history,” said Elizabeth Waite, Bailey’s daughter and the visionary behind “The Measure of a Man,” which premieres Friday at the Fox Theater. The proud daughter turned to her own son, Andrew Waite, and his film company, Higher Definition Media. Andrew’s last feature film, 2009’s “Stamped,” also premiered at the Fox. “I was always getting scripts from people and then my mom calls me,” said Andrew, a Stockdale High graduate who lives in Bakersfield. “I was like, ‘Oh, no.’ But my wife and I read it and immediately saw it as a movie.” Elizabeth, who wrote, co-directed and produced, said she was inspired to pursue the project during a flight home to Bakersfield a year and a half ago. With no background as a script writer, she says her notebook began filling up once she started.

All alone at a young age Elizabeth described her father, who died of colon cancer at 57 in 1981, as a charming, charismatic man who rose above poverty and hardships at a very young age in his home state of Oklahoma. Raised by his father, who was always gone in search of work, young Donald endured the pain of being separated from his six siblings before moving to California at the age of 15. “My father was the second oldest out of seven children,” Elizabeth said. “The neighbors were complaining they weren’t being taken care of properly, so the

‘The Measure of a Man’ When: Doors at 6 p.m. Friday, red carpet at 6:30, film at 7; Saturday matineeonly screening at 2 p.m. Running time 109 minutes. Where: Bakersfield Fox Theater, 2001 H St. Admission: $10 for premiere, $6 for matinee plus service charges Information: 324-1369 or vallitix.com

authorities came and took them away. He traveled to California alone after he was old enough to leave the orphanage.” During his journey, Bailey found a new home in Bakersfield. Elizabeth’s mother, Emogene, who came from similar circumstances and also moved west with her family, was just 14 when she met 19-year-old Donald in 1942. “They were two people who came together to raise a family and give them a really good life,” said Elizabeth. “They were both selfeducated. My father was also a singer and a farmer.” Andrew Waite the grandson understandably was proud of his grandparents’ struggles. But Andrew Waite the filmmaker wasn’t entirely convinced their story would made a good film — until a few readings of his mother’s original film treatment. Presented through a series of flashbacks, the movie begins in the hospital during Bailey’s final moments of life with daughter Elizabeth and wife, Emogene, at his bedside. Narrated by actress Jules Hartley, who plays Elizabeth, the film consists of a collection of memories brought to life on screen. The plot follows Bailey from his war experience to settling in Bakersfield and building a family. In the film’s official trailer, Bailey is portrayed as a happy-go-lucky, all-American farmer who worked his way up in the fertilizer business before becoming a prominent Bakersfield landowner. Elizabeth credits her parents with keeping the family’s history alive for her and her siblings. “My mother was such an incredible storyteller, as was my father. There are so many things they passed on that are presented in the film.”

This house looks familiar To ensure realism, Andrew said he was constantly on his toes. “I had an idea of what it would

JENNIFER CULPEPPER / ARTISAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Jarin Stevens, center, won the part of Donald P. Bailey after auditioning via computer from Utah. “The Measure of a Man” follows Bailey’s life story, including the mark he made as a father to his children.

look like, but I always asked my mom. The movie period is from 1924 to 1981, so it was tough,” said Andrew of creating authentic-looking sets at the right locations. With actors found mostly at Los Angeles casting calls, the film was ready to roll in Kern County, where principal photography began last July. Ultimately, the shoot lasted six weeks and cost $250,000. “We shot almost entirely in Bakersfield, and also in Taft, Shafter, and Santa Barbara,” said Andrew. “We used cotton fields, the countryside, Kern County Museum, and shot the war scene in Shafter grapevines to get a France look.” They certainly didn’t have to scout far for some locations. “The house we used for filming on Sunset Avenue in Bakersfield was the same home all of the kids lived in when they were little,” said Elizabeth of her family. To Andrew’s surprise, the home looked frozen in time. “The owners didn’t do much updating. That was a fluke,” he said.

‘We came close to killing each other’ As a first-time director, Elizabeth described the experience of working alongside her son as both emotionally draining and rewarding. “There were times we came

The house on Sunset Avenue in Bakersfield used in the filming of “The Measure of a Man” was the same home where Elizabeth Waite and seven of her eight children had lived.

close to killing each other,” she said, shaking her head. “But I have an extremely talented son who’s a natural artist with an incredible eye.” “This will probably be the last time we work together, but everything came out great and I’m very happy,” seconded Andrew. Providing the film’s original score was local composer Briana Sorkin-Lee, who wrote four original songs for the movie. For the film’s gala premiere on Friday, the filmmakers have a full night of entertainment planned, beginning with the arrival of the

cast via limousine and the requisite red carpet. Inside the theater, costumes used in the movie will be available for viewing and auction, with a portion of the proceeds going to the American Cancer Society. A question-and-answer session with the cast and crew will follow the screening. All festivities are open to the public. After this weekend’s premiere, the film will hit the festival circuit in search of a distributor. “There’s a lot of positive light in the film,” Elizabeth said. “You’re going to walk out having a new outlook on life.”

Thursday, March 24, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

W ill ia m

SPOTLIGHT

Eye Street

Sh ak Writ es ten pe by ar Direc ted an e d Ada pted b y Brian S ivesind

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WOMAN’S CLUB

The original board of the Woman’s Club in 1896. Most of the women are not identified, but the Woman’s Club did provide a partial listing of the women pictured. Rear row: Fourth from left is Charlottee Williams; fifth from left is Eva Gaggart; first on the right is Mrs. C.L. Hollis. Middle row: Second from left is Elma Conklin; third from left is President Lucretia Stevens; second from right is Mrs. Alfred Harrell; first on right is Mrs. C.H. Congden. Front row: First on right is Mrs. R.B. Swayse; first on left is Mrs. A.C. Conley.

Woman’s Club celebrating more than century of progress BY CAMILLE GAVIN Contributing columnist

ew, if any, local organizations can claim even a century of existence. The Woman’s Club of Bakersfield is a grand exception. Incorporated on March 2, 1896, it is the oldest cultural club for women in Kern County. The 18 charter members declared their goal to be the “development of women along the lines of literature, science and the arts.” Now, as the club celebrates its 115th birthday, some things have changed but a lot has stayed the same. In the beginning, club members read and discussed relevant topics. One of those was woman’s suffrage — California women won the right to vote in 1911, and women’s clubs throughout the state were a strong force behind the movement. If those ladies were alive today, they would probably do their research on the Internet after learning how to navigate the Web by taking a computer class offered by the club and taught by a member. This willingness to keep up with the times while maintaining its traditions is what has kept the club alive for 115 years, says Sunny Scofield, who served as president 50 years ago and is still an active member. “I think the reason the Woman’s Club is still flourishing is because it has always been progressive,” Scofield said. “And it keeps adding new members who bring in new ideas.” Sharon Decker, the current president, is a relative newcomer, having joined seven

115th Birthday Celebration When: 11 a.m. doors open; lunch at noon Monday Where: Woman’s Club, 2030 18th St. Cost: $15 Information: 325-7889

years ago because several of her friends were members. She knew the club offered a variety of activities and jumped right in. “If I join something, I participate,” Decker said. “There’s something here for everybody.” One of its sub-groups, called Mi Dears, is a good example of the way the club has evolved over the years. “Mi Dears started in the 1950s to bring cheer to members who were in convalescent hospitals,” she said. “Now they’re involved in all kinds of things.” Board member Darleen Carpenter, who joined in 2009, refers to the Mi Dears as the helping hands of the community. Their projects include collecting cell phones and chargers for the Alliance Against Family Violence; eyeglasses for the Shriners; pull tabs for Ronald McDonald Houses; baby items for St. Gianna’s Maternity Home; and hygiene items for veterans and the homeless. For the past five years the club has sent 12 boxes a month to members of the military. “We assemble packages for local soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan,” Carpenter said, “and make duffel bags for kids at the Jamison Center, and baby caps for children in the NICU (neonatal intensive care units) all local hospitals.” Other sections of the club include bridge — for beginners and more experienced players — crafts, genealogy, literature, reli-

gion, and Quilts of Valor, which is affiliated with a national program that makes quilts for wounded members of the military. In the past year the club gave $28,000 in scholarships to local high school students, Decker said, and $6,000 to charities. The annual Festival of the Trees is the organization’s main fundraiser. The event is held each November at the Rabobank Convention Center and is sponsored by nearly 50 merchants, corporations, nonprofit organizations and individuals. Rental of the clubhouse itself has become a significant source of revenue in recent years, Decker said. The main meeting room has an excellent hardwood floor ideal for dancing and is popular with families holding wedding receptions or quinceanaras. One of the more tangible signs of the club’s longevity is the colonial style building it occupies on the northeast corner of 18th and D streets. The organization bought the property in 1919 and moved into it in November 1921. In 1991 the building was placed on the Register of Historic Places by the Bakersfield City Council. “As you can see we have a wonderful history, but also a great present and a promising future,” said Carpenter. “Our club meets on the second Monday of each month and we invite all interested women to join us.” At Monday’s birthday luncheon, which is open to the public, several awards will be announced, including the Beth Henley Award, which is given to a member who has exhibited enthusiastic faithfulness and participation in the progress of the club. Henley, who died in a traffic accident in the 1960s, was editor of The Californian’s “women’s page” for many years and an ardent supporter of the Woman’s Club.

comes to life on the Spotlight stage as only we can tell it. Directed by Brian Sivesind, and filled with some of the top talent in Bakersfield, this will be a play not to be missed!

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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, March 24, 2011

Eye Street

Something’s fishy about this fundraiser West Rotary to cook up seafood stew

about $650,000 has been raised, according to Miller. “We have 86 members and we do a lot of community service stuff,” he said. “We just try to communicate and contribute to the city of Bakersfield.” Bakersfield West shares that vision with the six other Rotaries in town. “Downtown (Rotary) is the biggest and the oldest, but they don’t have as much fun as we do,” joked Miller, who confessed to a friendly rivalry with the other groups in town. “We probably don’t raise as much money as Downtown, but we’re No. 1 in frivolity.” President Jim Darling certainly knew what he was doing in tapping Miller to drum up ticket sales. With a name like Howdy, there’s really no other choice than to be perpetually cheerful, as the affable Miller seems to be. “My actual name is Houghton, named after my dad. People called him Big Howdy and me Little Howdy. I never had a problem with the name. “But I have two kids and neither one is named Howdy.” Miller, director of commercial marketing at Ticor Title, has lived in Bakersfield 40 years and is a charter member of the group, which formed 36 years ago. He said of the 26 original members, four other charter members remain: Al Hine, John Pryor,

Bakersfield West Rotary’s Cioppino Feed

BY JENNIFER SELF Californian lifestyles editor jself@bakersfield.com

our appetite for good causes is limitless but if you have to eat one more rubbery chicken at a fundraising dinner, you might just skip the party and send a check? That delicate issue of what to serve was exactly what members at Bakersfield West Rotary contemplated 19 years ago when they borrowed some inspiration from a Rotary club in Fresno and decided to make cioppino — a hearty seafood stew — the centerpiece of their annual fundraiser. “It’s so successful because it’s a fun party and it’s for all the right reasons,” said Howdy Miller, who is handling tickets for Saturday’s event. As of Monday, there were only 13 tickets left, but Miller said if you want in, you’ll get in. And there’s more to tempt hungry crowds at the Italian-themed event than just the exotic stew. Miller said a lot of folks come strictly for the clams, which are delicious — or so he’s heard. “I was born and raised in Santa Monica — I swim with the fish, but I don’t eat them, and they don’t eat me.” But if, like Miller, clams aren’t your thing, there’s fresh green sal-

What: Event will benefit Boys & Girls Club; Children’s Medical Center; Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House; Bakersfield West Rotary Foundation When: No-host bar at 6 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m. Saturday Where: Monsignor Leddy Hall at Garces Memorial High School, 2800 Loma Linda Drive Tickets: $75 Information: 747-5380

ad, bread, butter, spumoni and “enough wine to float a boat.” Of course the real star is the cioppino, which contains a medley of cod, shrimp, crab legs and a phenomenal sauce, said Miller, who credits culinary arts instructor Pat Coyle of Bakersfield College for the sumptuous stew. Last year’s feed packed in about 500 people, which is pretty much capacity at Monsignor Leddy Hall on the Garces Memorial High School campus, though there are tents set up outside as well. The organization netted about $65,000 last year, every penny of which was given to local charities, primarily ones focused on helping children. Over the entire run of the event,

OPENING MARCH 25TH Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2 Sucker Punch

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN FALLGATTER

Bakersfield West Rotary Club members Rick Kreiser, Mike Rubiy and Clete Harper get ready to serve piping hot cioppino — a seafood dish — at the club’s 2006 fundraiser at Garces Memorial High.

Rudy Carvajal and Milt Huggs. But it takes the entire group to plan an event of the scope of the Cioppino Feed. Members start planning the next dinner practically before they’ve even had a chance to digest the clams from the current year. “It takes a least six months to

plan. But we get a lot of people who return to the event, even in this difficult time, and the tickets are pretty steep — $75. But it’s a fun time and a unique event.” In addition to the draw of the food, the event will auction off several luxury items, including trips, cruises and sporting items.

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Friday, March 25, 2011 5:30 - 8:00pm Cost: $25 Per Person Meet and greet the winemakers from Croad Vineyards

Thursday, March 24, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

All-out War is headed our way Despite band turmoil through years, feel-good vibe is alive

War, Los Lobos, Mento Buru When: Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. Friday Where: Rabobank Convention Center, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Admission: $30 to $45 Information: 852-7777

BY MATT MUNOZ Bakotopia.com editor mmunoz@bakersfield.com

ore than 40 years after declaring “War” on the music industry, keyboardist and vocalist Lonnie Jordan is still ready for battle. Armed with some of popular music’s most memorable hits from the ’70s — including “Lowrider,” “Why Can’t We Be Friends?” and “Slippin’ Into Darkness” — the longtime frontman for the legendary funk group says the band still has plenty of groovy ammunition left in its chambers. Appearing Friday night at Rabobank with co-headliners Los Lobos, War’s street music philosophy has helped take them from the ghettos of Los Angeles and around the world, with songs about the struggles of inner-city life and the beauty of simple pleasures. “I’ve managed to keep the original concept of the band from the way it was conceived in the beginning,” Jordan said, taking a break from the studio where the band is currently working on a new batch of recordings for summer release, their newest material since 1994’s “Peace Sign.” “The guys in the band have the same air, concept and vibe, the way we did back in the day. Just play and the people will give it back to you.” With a back story as colorful as their show, Jordan recalls the glory days, when he and his bandmates scored a break in 1968 with help from one of the NFL’s biggest hit men — Deacon Jones of the Los Angeles Rams. “I was about 15. Deacon opened this nightclub called the Rag Doll, which used to be a strip club. He wanted to get into the entertainment business, so we were backing him up at the club playing music like Booker T. & The MG’s, James Brown, Wilson Pickett, Hank Snow to Johnny Cash, everybody.”

‘Virgins to the music biz’ Catching the ear of different music players in Hollywood, including producer Jerry Goldstein and British rock singer Eric Burdon, who was looking for a band to take on the road, Jordan recalled his first encounter with Burdon and his crew. “The British really invaded us in that club,” Jordan laughed. “Eric came down to see us. We ended up doing some blues jams and started working together. He actually introduced us as his new band War even before we even had a record out.” Releasing their debut LP as Eric Burdon and War in 1970 before a big European tour, Burdon abruptly left the group mid-tour. Undeterred, Jordan and the other original band members jammed, wrote and recorded incessantly once they entered the studio with Goldstein in their corner. “We were virgins to the music biz,” said Jordan of their early sessions. “We didn’t know that tape would run out during our jams in the studio. We’d go through three to four hours of music nonstop. Some of us, not all of us, would medicate ourselves to a point that we didn’t know the sun came up. We’d come in the next day and say, ‘Did we play all that?’ Then we’d bring in some stuff off the streets and just start putting a song

PHOTO COURTESY OF WAR

War will play the Rabobank Convention Center with Los Lobos and Mento Buru on Friday.

together.” Throughout the ’70s War scored several hits, most of which were written onstage during marathon three-hour shows and pieced together in the studio. Among them was the 1975 chart-topper “Low Rider,” a song that helped introduce audiences to the world of custom car culture from predominantly Latino Los Angeles neighborhoods. “‘Low Rider’ came out of a long session of other music. Our saxophonist, Charles (Miller) came in singing ‘Low Rider.’ That’s all he would say. All these ideas started running through our heads. What we did was take film equipment into East L.A., met The Imperials and The Dukes and pretty much let the world know they were not rival gangs but car clubs — low riding. Before we released the song, we gave them copies and they were the first to bump it. We filmed them cruising around together. We took that footage and used it as a backdrop for whenever we played the song. We took it all the way to Japan, New York. We were freakin’ people out all the way to Germany. They’d never seen cars bouncing up and down. We did the same thing with ‘Cisco Kid.’ Pancho’s horse was a low rider in the song.”

dan says a reunion is always a possibility. “I can’t really answer that, but I can tell you that when we were originally together we made beautiful, beautiful babies — music. Unfortunately we had a bad divorce. All I can say is that if we do something, it’ll have to be short-lived, make a lot of noise and a lot of money to make it work out.” There’s also the matter of a possible

induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They were nominated but not inducted in 2009. “That’s going to depend on the politics of the Hall of Fame. They blame it on the people, saying that the people vote. Come on, the people don’t vote. Who are they? I also think part of it is the legal issues we’ve been having, and I don’t think anyone in the industry wants to have to deal with ‘Should I go with this band,’ or ‘Should they go without me,’ because the legal issue is that only I can perform under the name War.” Until they’ve resolved their differences, Jordan says his version of War will continue performing for the people who matter the most — their fans. “They were there before any Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.” Also appearing Friday are Grammy-winning band Los Lobos, which wrote the theme song for the animated film “Rango,” plus Bakersfield Latin ska band Mento Buru.

The Bob Marley stamp of approval Jordan also recalled getting the nod of approval from a then-unknown Jamaican rising star named Bob Marley, who became a fan during an early tour they did overseas. “We were one of his favorite bands, I guess because we had a lot to say. We had grooves, and he considered us one of the only American bands that had a rebellious attitude. We were playing ‘Slippin’ Into Darkness,’ which we were still developing. Bob heard that horn line, and said, ‘I like that.’ He came up with the lyrics to ‘Get Up, Stand Up,’ and the rest was history.” In 1994, cracks in the band’s lineup began making way for several legal issues, including use of the name, War, owned by Goldstein. In 1996, Jordan decided to stay with the band’s longtime manager and re-form the band, touring successfully with new members, including Bakersfield percussionist Marcos Reyes, recruited in 1998. Original members Howard Scott, Lee Oskar, Harold Brown and Morris “B.B.” Dickerson tour separately as the Lowrider Band. Jor-

RABOBANK THEATER - BAKERSFIELD

FRI. MARCH 25TH @ 8:00PM 1 0 0 1 T R U X T U N AV E .

BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301

DOORS OPEN AT/PUERTAS ABREN 7:00PM CONCERT/CONCIERTO 8:00PM COMPRE BOLETOS EN PURCHASE TICKETS AT: ticketmaster

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, March 24, 2011

Eye Street Camille Gavin CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

Bakersfield’s Broadway babies Drama club tackles truly ambitious show

GO & DO ‘On the Street Where You Live’

lively musical put on by the Endeavour Drama Club is one more example of the way volunteers are keeping the arts alive for young people. And in this case, providing some entertainment for older folks as well. The show’s public performances are Friday and Saturday but earlier this week the cast, made up of fifth- and sixth-graders at Endeavour Elementary, presented a preview for invited guests from nearby Glenwood Gardens and Greenacres Senior Center, as well as their own grandparents. “We’ve done this for the last three years as an outreach and an educational tool for our cast members,” said Barbara Vassar, volunteer director. “Everyone seems to enjoy it; the kids come out afterward and talk about (the show) with the seniors.” The after-school program began 10 years ago and Vassar, who moved here from Minnesota six years ago, has been involved for five years. She wrote the script for this year’s production, “On the Street Where You Live.” “We are doing something incredibly difficult and different for any elementary school to even attempt,” she said. “We are performing a history of Broadway including a story line, not just songs.” Vassar describes it as memoir, or a history, of Broadway, starting with George M. Cohan and George

When: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday Where: Endeavor Elementary School, 9300 Meacham Road Admission: $3 Information: 588-3550

‘Bang, Bang, You’re Dead’ When: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday Where: Bakersfield Community Theatre, 2400 S. Chester Ave. Admission: $12; $10, seniors and students Information: 831-8114

FELIX ADAMO / THE CALIFORNIAN

“Oklahoma!” was one of the musical numbers performed by students in the Endeavor Drama Club.

Gershwin and continuing on to the era of Rodgers and Hammerstein and even songs from “Phantom of the Opera” and “Les Miserables.” In the show, Broadway is personified by Kristal MacDowall, who appears as a character by that name. Members of the drama club have been meeting two days a week since the opening of the school year. Total cost for each child who participates is $65. The group also raises funds for its productions by holding a “Chile Bingo Supper” annually.

‘Bang, Bang’ at BCT Director David Lollar’s motive for presenting “Bang, Bang, You’re

Camille Gavin’s “Arts Alive!” column appears on Thursday. Write to her via e-mail at gavinarts@aol.com

Rigo Cruz as Uncle Sam, left, and Kennedy Parish as Lady Liberty, right, join Bradley Harper in a rousing patriotic number at Endeavor School.

Dead” at Bakersfield Community Theatre stems from his experience in the classroom.

“My passion for this story began years ago during a lockdown,” said Lollar, a high school English

teacher. “We were told to stay in our classrooms because a shooting had taken place and they were looking for the shooters.” At first his students thought it was exciting to hear all the sirens and be the center of attention but after about an hour, reality set in and it wasn’t so cool anymore. “Since then, I moved on to another school, where death was as commonplace as homework, where we averaged four suicides a year for a stretch of four years,” he said. “Not in the entire county — just at my school.” This has led him to believe “Bang Bang, You’re Dead,” needed to be told in Bakersfield. The play by William Mastrosimone is based on actual events — primarily Kip Kinkel’s shootings in 1998 of his parents and 27 of his classmates at a high school in Springfield, Ore., as well as incidents related to the Columbine incident in Colorado. The story finds Josh, the fictional killer, in a jail cell where he is forced to examine his crimes through the eyes of his victims — they appear as living characters, not ghosts — who demand answers for what he has done.

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Thursday, March 24, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Contributing writer

here’s a lot to do in Bakersfield this weekend, but if you’re looking for something different, a totally unique experience, why not try the Bakersfield Spring Ring Concert? Now in its eighth year in Bakersfield, this is the only event of its kind in Kern County, and it happens only once a year. Saturday’s Spring Ring features seven handbell choirs, one handbell soloist, one pianist and the newly reconstructed Bosch pipe organ. Most handbell choirs use between three to five octaves of bells — that’s 37 to 61 bells, and eight to 13 people to ring them. The first Bakersfield Spring Ring featured two handbell choirs, or about 20 handbell musicians. This week’s concert includes 72 handbell musicians ringing a total of 355 handbells. In addition, the concert will feature handbell soloist Susan Hitch, who rings 37 bells all by herself. Handbells, or English handbells, as they were formerly known, are a truly unique instrument. Each bell is a precision instrument and must be hand cast. Most handbells are made of a combination of copper and tin with a slightly flexible, hard plastic handle. A

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

Local writer’s play in New York Nick Belardes, who runs the Random Writers Workshop at Russo’s Books, is bursting with enthusiasm — and given Belardes’ normally low-key manner that’s an unusual emotion — about the success of a fellow workshop writer. Jeannie Hart, a founding member of Random Writers, has hit the big time with a one-act play that is on stage today through Sunday at the ArcLight Theatre, an off-Broadway venue in New York City. Hers is one of eight plays accepted for the “Choice One-Act Festival,” a contest sponsored by the Complete Theatre Company. It’s the first play she’s written and she, too, is understandably thrilled. “I couldn’t be more excited,” says Hart. “Isn’t it every writer’s dream to have a play put on in New York?” Each one-act chosen as a finalist receives a fully staged production at no cost to the writer, although Hart, like all contestants, did pay a $10 fee to submit her script. The theatrical company provides lighting, sound equipment, actors and the theater itself. Each night, audience members will vote for a prize to be awarded at the end of the run. A $100 prize will be awarded to Best Playwright and $100 to Best Director.

Restaurant owner’s son a Met finalist Cecil S. Green didn’t know his son, Ryan Speedo Green, had emerged as a winner in the Metropolitan Opera’s 58th annual auditions until a customer came into his restaurant last Friday and told him he’d seen a story about the singer in that day’s edition of the New York Times. I spoke to the singer’s father the fol-

O R S’ C H O I C E P

587-3377 12748 Jomani Drive

PHOTO COURTESY OF DIANNE BRYANT

Spring will be ushered in by the Eighth Annual Spring Ring Concert at 5 p.m. Saturday, St. John’s Lutheran Church.

ences will enjoy her dynamic personality and conducting style. The Eighth Annual Bakersfield Spring Ring Concert will be held in the new sanctuary at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Specifically designed for the acoustical sound, this building should provide a great setting for the concert. Dianne Bryant is the coordinator of Bakersfield Spring Ring.

lowing day and asked him to describe his reaction. “There’s nothing like it — I didn’t know it could be this exciting at that level,” Green said. “He’s at the top and he’s only 24. Usually you’re about 30 before you do that.” A bass baritone, the singer was one of eight finalists culled from nearly 1,500 young singers who competed this year in auditions held throughout North America. Green sang two arias in the concert. In announcing their decision the judges were quoted as saying, in part, that he “sang with hefty sound and dignity.” By the way, Speedo is actually part of the singer’s birth name and is the name he’s known by among family and friends. “Nobody calls him Ryan,” his dad said, adding, “That’s my middle name, too. When he was born I told my wife he had to be named for me one way or the other — either Cecil or Speedo.” Green, who owns the House of Barbecue, formerly Mr. Tibbs’ Ribs, came to Bakersfield seven years ago. His son, who grew up in Suffolk, Va., visited here during the Christmas holidays and is expected to return for a few days this summer. “I want him to sing here in Bakersfield,” Green said. “Maybe at Stars or someplace like that — I’m working on it.”

For reservations

When: 5 p.m. Saturday Where: St. John’s Lutheran Church, 4500 Buena Vista Road Admission: Free Information: 665-7815 or email office@sjlchurch.org.

This is the first play Hart, 27, has written, although she has had a short story and creative nonfiction pieces published. Titled “Impotence,” it’s about a couple who are ending their relationship as they stand in line for a roller coaster ride at an amusement park. “It’s a situation where both of you know the final shoe is about to drop but you’re not sure what to say,” she said. “I (wanted) to reflect some of the really awful ways that some people break up — relationships are tough, you know.” Hart works as an AutoCad drafter for a Shafter manufacturing company and has never visited New York. She hopes to attend this Sunday’s performance of her play, which is when the winners will be announced. Her friends and colleagues have launched a campaign to raise enough money to pay for her trip.

SFIELD CALIF OR

Opening: March 18th through April 30th

The Eighth Annual Bakersfield Spring Ring Concert

handbell can range in size from one inch in diameter to 15 inches in diameter at the mouth of the bell, and can weigh as little as 7 ounces or as much as 18 pounds. Handbells can ring, be plucked, malletted, swung or thumb damped. They can even echo and sing. We are honored to have Christine D. Anderson as our conductor for this year’s Spring Ring. Sometimes known as a powerhouse in a small package, Christine has been ringing handbells for almost 40 years. She is a world-renowned handbell solo artist and has conducted handbell festivals all over the United States. Christine has been writing and choreographing handbell solos since 1981 and has many published pieces. Audi-

2010

AN NI

BY DIANNE BRYANT

Bell musicians set to ring in spring

Eye Street

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, March 24, 2011

Eye Street The Lowdown with Matt Munoz

Pigs will fly at Floyd tribute show list designed to be choreographed. A lot of work goes in to this to where it is more of a ‘theatrical production’ than a simple rock show,” said Quinn. “That being said, the music always comes first.” Sounds like a gas to me. Tickets for next Thursday’s show range from $25 to $48, plus service charges and are on sale now at the Rabobank box office, or at ticketmaster.com. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. The Rabobank Theater is located at 1001 Truxtun Ave. For more information call 852-7777.

St. Patrick’s Day gigs shake up Bakersfield

ny legitimate music geek will attest to Pink Floyd’s rock mastery, especially if you’re Tom Quinn, bandleader for The Pink Floyd Experience, which plans to rock the Rabobank Theater next Thursday. Paying homage to the legendary British rock band’s innovative live show in all its multimedia glory, Quinn said his tribute stands above the rest for three reasons, and then some. “Passion, genuine emotion and love of the music,” said Quinn, who also plays guitar in the group. “Taking chances at times, reflecting the Floyd’s tendencies to reinvent their masterpieces while out on tour, along with our intimate knowledge of their touring history, reflecting bootleg recordings that we own and cherish, but never forgetting the signature Floydian riffs and motifs that fans love and remember.” Convincing words if you’re looking for an answer as grandiose as some of the original Pink Floyd shows, known for their elaborate stage sets and psychedelic laser shows. During the ’70s and ’80s there wasn’t a concert spectacle that could match the innovative storytelling style of Roger Waters, David Gilmour, Nick Mason and Richard Wright. From “Dark Side of the Moon” and its experimental themes, to the isolated mood of “Wish You Were Here,” and “Animals,” which was loosely based on George Orwell’s political fable “Animal Farm,” the

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE AMERICAN MUSIC THEATRE

Tickets are now on sale for The Pink Floyd Experience appearing at Rabobank on March 31.

Bakotopia Unplugged Open Mic Night With host Matt Munoz When: 8 to 11 p.m. Wednesdays. Signups start at 7:30 p.m. Where: Fishlips, 1517 18th St. Information: 324-2557 or visit the Facebook page for updates.

band took liberties with creative imagery. Among them, an inflatable flying pig. Quinn says fans can expect similar type of experience. “We have a highly skilled pig pilot who skillfully flies the pig into the crowd on a nightly basis. The iconic images, album art transcribed to various mediums, and a very skilled committed sixpiece band that makes it all work.” Becoming a super fan of Pink Floyd in 1973 after hearing “Dark Side” for the first time, Quinn began adopting guitarist

Gilmour’s guitar style, studying the band’s catalog. “Hearing and experiencing David Gilmour’s performances on the ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ made me get more focused on exactly what the culminations of all my efforts could lead to and what I was ultimately shooting for with my guitar playing,” he said. In 1997 he and bassist friend Gus Beaudoin began creating a Floyd frenzy, forming their first band, which would evolve into The Pink Floyd Experience. Taking elements from various stages of the original band’s career, Bakersfield should expect an experience much like the David Gilmour-led era, “Momentary Lapse of Reason” tour of 1987 — scaled down for theater purposes, but ambitious enough to please die-hard fans. “Lighting designers and video programmers sending samples, graphs, charts, plots that all are a part of the pre-production phase of the tour — all while the band rehearses a fairly structured set

Matt Munoz is editor of Bakotopia.com, a sister website of The Californian that devotes itself to promoting Bakersfield’s art scene. Matt’s column appears every Thursday in Eye Street.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JEREMY GONZALEZ

1916 performed to a packed house at the Shamrock Shindig at Fishlips on March 17. See more photos at Bakotopia.com.

Shamrock Shindig a smashing success It was obvious from the packed house at last Thursday’s St. Patty’s Day celebrations all over town that Bakersfield loves to party no matter what day or time it is. Starting with B Ryder’s indoor and outdoor fenced-off fiesta, with No Doubt tribute band No Duh and Vanity Avenue, that kicked off at 2 p.m., to every bar from Rosedale to east Bakersfield, the green was in full swing. The downtown vibe was energetic and thankfully wellbehaved. No one likes a party pooper, and it usually only takes a few drunken skirmishes to spoil the fun. Fortunately, there was enough entertainment blaring from each of the local pubs. Over at Sandrini’s, Backup Johnny held court,

while DJ Nick Stobaugh kept a packed house dancing inside Syndicate Lounge. Riley’s was more than happy to see its regulars bring 10 friends along, and the Nile was the scene of some stylish leprechauns. Fishlips once again played host to Bakotopia’s annual Shamrock Shindig, with plenty of live music. Kicking off the evening was Kenny Reeves & The Borbon Bros., who performed a mostly original set of acoustic pop tunes, much to the approval of the bar, anxiously waiting to break the seal on their first libation of the night. Next up was Joel Jacob and his band, who haven’t been seen or heard from in awhile but were welcomed by the crowd even though many seemed unfamiliar with the local singer-songwriter. To remedy that, Jacob sprinkled in a pitch-perfect cover of a White Stripes song to grab some attention. By the time Celtic rockers’ 1916 hit the stage at 9 p.m., bedlam had already ensued and the place was packed. If you haven’t been to a 1916 show before, it’s loud in all the right ways. New members Eric Boyd on bagpipes and Travis Byler, guitar, did everything but conjure up the ghost of William Wallace. After the carnage was cleaned and my band, Mento Buru, hit the stage, the scene was fairly fermented. I don’t have room to talk about the party-crashing zombies who showed up on the dance floor, so visit Bakotopia.com and see all the photos.

Matt’s pick Senses Fail at Jerry’s Pizza, 1817 Chester Ave., Thursday, 6 p.m., $18, 633-1000. No artistic relation to their MTV “Jersey Shore” neighbors, Ridgewood, N.J., natives Senses Fail have been playing their brand of melodic hardcore since 1992. They built a loyal fan base performing at skateparks before landing a coveted spot on the Vans Warped Tour. Taking their name from Buddhist philosophy, their live shows are nothing but serene.

Thursday, March 24, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Get up and get moving to Kids Expo BY MIRANDA WHITWORTH Contributing writer

eeping the children of Kern County healthy is no laughing matter, but an event aimed at maintaining their well-being shows there can be a little fun and a few games along the road to wellness. The Healthy Bakersfield Kids Expo takes place Saturday at the Rabobank Convention Center. The Californian has teamed up with Bakersfield Memorial Hospital and several local vendors to show kids a fun way to stretch their legs and give parents a few tips from the experts when it comes to raising a healthy family. Bakersfield Memorial Hospital’s marketing manager Michelle Willow said her organization was more than happy to jump on board. “Memorial is a part of this community, so getting out and connecting with our neighbors and friends is an important part of what we do,” Willow said. The hospital recently opened the Children’s Medical Center, Kern County’s only hospital offering a center dedicated to young patients. Willow hopes this event will let parents know that the CMC is open and that quality hospital care for children doesn’t require a two-hour (or longer) trip. “We were seeing thousands of seriously ill or injured kids being driven or flown long distances to get the care they needed, and now it’s available right here at the Children’s Medical Center. Our team of pediatric hospitalists provide care for the tiniest of patients to teenagers 24/7 every day.” Michele Hatfield, interactive advertising manager for The Californian, knows what it’s like to travel for the health care of a sick child. “It’s a huge deal,” Hatfield said. “Personally I have had that experience in my family when my daughter was born. It was very expensive for us to travel back and forth, and it would have been much easier to have a facility like this available here.” Several local organizations are lending their time to the expo providing information on health, education, foster care and even prenatal services. The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Clinica Sierra Vista, the Boys & Girls Club and the Foster Family Net-

PATHWAYS HYPNOSIS Vaughn Barnett C.Ht., NLP, BA Alpha Chi Honor Society American Hypnosis Assoc.

661.322.0077 PathwaysHypnosis.org

AND NO COMPROMISE PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHELE HATFIELD

Attendees of all ages at Saturday’s Healthy Bakersfield Kids Expo will have the opportunity to burn off a little steam.

Healthy Bakersfield Kids Expo When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday Where: Rabobank Theater and Convention Center, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Admission: Free Schedule of events: 11 a.m. — Ronald McDonald stage show 1 p.m. — Starrland Magical Musical Review 2 p.m. — i-Dance competition

work are just a few of the organizations hosting booths at Saturday’s event. While Bakersfield Memorial Hospital will staff the event with doctors who will answer questions for parents about the health of their children, the kids in attendance will also get in on the fun. Hatfield said the day is all about health, and staying active is a big part of that.

“In the afternoon there will be an iDance competition,” she said. “It’s kind of like ‘Dance Dance Revolution.’ They have a big projector where the steps are shown and pads on the floor for the kids to dance on.” There is more in store for the kids than a little healthy competition, including a 30-foot obstacle course. Entertainment is also on the menu with a Ronald McDonald stage show and Starrland Magical Musical Review. The Bakersfield Blaze, the Bakersfield City Fire Department and the Bakersfield Condors will be on board with displays and interactive booths for kids and parents. Willow said when it comes to making an event like this one a success it takes the support of the entire community. “Bringing together a variety of community partners like the police and fire departments, local sports teams and other children’s organizations in one central location is a tremendous help for families wanting to know what resources and activities are available in their community.”

SHARE YOUR MEMORIES OF SAM LYNN BALL PARK The home of the Bakersfield Blaze — and several other teams before that — is 70 years old this season. To commemorate that milestone, we’re asking Sam Lynn’s many visitors over the years to share their favorite memories of their time at

• Sleeplessness • Phobias & Fears

the park. Maybe you saw one of the many superstars who started their careers here in Bakersfield. Perhaps you got engaged there or spent special time with family members while watching America’s favorite pastime. Tell us about it in 200 word

or less. And please send pictures. Submit your remembrances and photos to jself@bakersfield.com or The Bakersfield Californian/Jennifer Self, PO Bin 440, 93302. Photos will not be returned. Include your full name and phone number.

NEW

NORTHEAST LOCATION 3615 Mount Vernon Ave. • (661) 871-3556 NORTHWEST LOCATION 4750 Coffee Road • (661) 588-4700 SOUTHWEST LOCATION 4130 California Ave • (661) 325-4717

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, March 24, 2011

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March 17 thru 27, 2011

Kern County’s longest-running Green Festival Escape to your nearby Kern River Valley to see Wildflowers, go Fishing or Hiking and share Living Green ideas all around Lake Isabella.

Most Events are FREE & family-friendly: Book events, Arts & Crafts, Community Faire, Food, Gardening talks, Green Fashion Show, Green Films, Green EXPO, Keyesville Classic Mtn. Bike Race, Kids’ events & more.

LivingGreenKRV.org Kern County Scottish Society presents 16th Annual

9AM to 5PM Athletic Competitions Live Music Stages Food and Beverages Scottish Dancing Children’s Glen Clan Tents Family Information Expanded Vendors

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CELTIC MUSIC PARTY Wicked Tinkers • 1916 • Whiskey Galore Banshee in the Kitchen • David Nigel-Lloyd L.A Scottish Fiddlers Association • WTL

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1916

Whiskey Galore

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Eye Street

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Lectures highlight history Library hosting series of insightful discussions BY DIANNE HARDISTY Contributing Writer dhardisty@bak.rr.com

ivil rights, aviation and space exploration, the evolution of Bakersfield College, and a stroll through a century of Bakersfield Californian pages: These are the rich components of Kern County’s history that will be featured in a monthly lecture series at Beale Memorial Library in Bakersfield. The series begins at 11 a.m. Saturday with a discussion by Oliver Rosales about the civil rights struggle in Bakersfield and the Central Valley, and how it was influenced by the organizing efforts of farmworkers. A native of Bakersfield and graduate of Garces Memorial High School, Rosales is completing a doctorate degree in history at UC Santa Barbara. His thesis title is “Mississippi West: Race, Politics and Civil Rights in California’s Central Valley, 1947-1984.” Rosales, who teaches history at Cal State Bakersfield and Bakersfield College, earned a bachelor’s degree in history from UC Berkeley and a master’s degree in history from Cal State Bakersfield. During a recent interview, Rosales noted that the valley’s civil rights struggles go beyond those of farmworkers. As examples, he pointed to the decades-long efforts to desegregate the Bakersfield City School District, and the efforts to alleviate poverty that can be found in all ethnic and cultural groups. Rosales’ research has focused on the post-World War II years and the valley’s transformation by the influx of new residents. The years also were marked by the formation of coalitions that included farmworkers and others committed to extending civil and economic rights. “Some of these coalitions continue to exist today,” said Rosales, noting the legacy of the Civic Unity Movement, which had an active Kern County chapter. During his library lecture, Rosales will discuss the strong connection between labor rights and civil rights.

Edwards Air Force Base The lecture series will continue on April 23 with a presentation by retired Lt. Col. David Smith about the contributions made by Edwards Air Force Base to aviation and space exploration. Smith was an accomplished military pilot, test pilot and command officer. Before his recent retirement from Edwards, he spoke often to community groups about the base, its history and mission in the modern military. Smith and Edwards have been instrumental in programs such as the development of stealth bombers, space shuttles and other advanced systems. To trace the nation’s aviation progress, particularly since World War

ALEX HORVATH / THE CALIFORNIAN

An Air Force helicopter passes over the space shuttle Discovery after it landed at Edwards Air Force Base in September 2009. The base will be one of the topics in a monthly lecture series at Beale Memorial Library in Bakersfield.

II, is to trace Edwards’ history. Smith will take participants down memory lane and into the future during his April lecture.

Turning points at BC On May 14, retired Bakersfield College professor Jerry Ludeke will discuss the community college’s rich history, particularly the period between its opening in 1913 and its transformative years in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. In 1994, Ludeke retired from a decades-long career on the faculty of Bakersfield College, where she was involved in the learning center, helping students develop study and critical-thinking skills. She is now director of the Bakersfield College archives. Ludeke said her May lecture is the beginning of a series of events that will lead up to Bakersfield College’s centennial celebration in 2013. While Ludeke said her library lecture will focus on Bakersfield College’s early years, which go back to the Kern Union High School District, she also will discuss the college’s archive project. Information and memorabilia associated with Bakersfield College and the thousands of local students who attended its classes is being collected and archived for researchers and supporters. Ludeke said contributions are continuously being made to expand the collection. As an example, she noted that a BC supporter contributed a 1913-15 college grade card found in the bottom of a box of books purchased at a garage sale. “What a wonderful discovery,” Ludeke said, noting the card reflected the achievements of one of the college’s first students. People wishing to contribute books, writings, memories and memorabilia to the Bakersfield College archives should email BCarchives@bakersfieldcollege.edu.

Searching The Californian archives On June 25, Chris Livingston, local history librarian at the Beale Memorial Library, will give tips on how library

patrons and serious researchers can use an online database to search for historical articles that appeared on the pages of The Californian over the past 100 years. The Kern County Library and the San Joaquin Valley Library systems have entered into an agreement with a private company to digitalize newspaper archives, which generally are now stored on microfilm reels. At no charge to the library systems, the company transfers the archives to digitalized formats, which can be reviewed and searched by subscribers to the company’s website, or at no cost by patrons using library computer terminals. Livingston said the cost of transferring newspaper archives to digitalized formats ranges from $80 to $145 per reel. The Kern County Library has more than 3,000 reels of archived newspapers. The arrangement with the private company is a cost-saver for the cash-strapped Kern County Library and allows the fast-tracking of the enhanced archiving project, said Livingston. During Livingston’s June lecture, the librarian will explain how the digitalized newspaper archives can be accessed and searched. “It is just great for us to be able to have our archives digitalized,” said Livingston, explaining that local and family history research is enhanced by the arrangement. The spring Local History Lecture Series is an outgrowth of a library outreach project started last fall, Beale head librarian Andie Apple explained. The lecture portion of the outreach project, which also included poetry reading and a writing workshop, proved to be so popular that a spring focus on history lectures was planned, she said. “We wanted to get the word out about what a treasure trove we have at the library,” said Apple. Each Saturday lecture will begin at 11 a.m. in the Tejon Room, on the second floor of the Beale Memorial Library in downtown Bakersfield. There is no charge to attend.

Thursday, March 24, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street

Help make strides toward beating CF Saturday event to benefit Cystic Fibrosis Foundation BY TIFFANY FISCHER Contributing writer

he air is clean, the sun is making a few spectacular appearances and the flowers are starting to bloom. So why not go outside and take a deep breath? It’s a wonderful feeling,

taking spring air into your lungs, but for people living with cystic fibrosis, the simple task of breathing is a daily battle. I am one of the 30,000 people in the United States living with cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that substantially impairs normal respiratory and digestive functions. Complications can lead to many hospital stays, and, in some cases, lung transplants like I have had.

Even eating becomes a challenge with this disease. Cystic fibrosis occurs when a person inherits two copies of the defective cf gene. Parents who pass the disease on to their children each carry one copy of the defective gene but do not have the disease themselves. Their children have a 25 percent chance of having cystic fibrosis. I have cystic fibrosis, but my brother doesn’t.

Advances continue to be made in finding a cure. But the public’s help is needed now more than ever before. For the first time in the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s history, scientific opportunities are coming at a pace that is exceeding the ability to fund them. That’s why I’m leading a team — Team Fischer’s Fish — in the Great Strides Walk at 9 a.m. Satur-

day at the Park at Riverwalk. I am inviting you to join this year’s event as we work to blow away cystic fibrosis. Lunch will be provided and there will be a raffle and other entertainment. For information about Great Strides 2011, contact me at tkuehl83@yahoo.com or call 204-3019. Check out the great strides website at greatstrides.cff.org.

Institute offers writing classes for seniors BY JENNIFER BALDWIN Contributing writer

verybody has a story to share, even if they don’t think so. Part of Annis Cassells’ mission is to help others dig into their memories and, through the power of writing, create a legacy of stories for their family members to cherish. Her memoir writing class is one of 30 courses being offered this April and May through CSUB’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, a program for seasoned adults interested in learning for the joy of it. The program is funded by the Bernard Osher Foundation, which supports higher education and the arts for people who are aged 50 and better. Cassells is a life coach, speaker,

freelance writer and blogger, and has been teaching memoir writing for OLLI since 2006. She has seen her students blossom both as writers and as friends. “What happens is that people keep coming back and it’s like a community,” she said. “Some people have come into the class saying they’ve never written anything or can’t write anything. And with encouragement from all of us, and writing prompts, they start remembering and they start writing. The more they write, the more they remember, and the stories become very rich.” One student, Doris Schroeder, completed an entire book that she gave to her family members as a gift. She started taking Cassells’ class after a family genealo-

gy project left her wanting more than just names and dates. “Thanks to Annis, she motivated me to write stories of my life,” said Schroeder, a five-year OLLI member. “And some were sweet, some were bitter, and many were never told. Annis not only taught me how to write interesting accounts, she was also a great therapist who helped me dismiss events in my life that I was just happy to forget.” Cassells’ class has become so popular, she is teaching two sessions this spring: “Journaling & Memoir” and “Legacy in Life Stories.” Other classes cover topics in personal economics, arts and crafts, travel and computer basics. There will be a day trip on May 12 to the Los Angeles Natur-

al History Museum. A walking tour of the CSUB campus on May 17 features a collection of outdoor sculptures by international artists. And, as always, there is a selection of main campus courses that CSUB professors have opened up to OLLI students in areas of anthropology, archaeology, literature, history, philosophy and religious studies. One class, “Gothic Worlds,” looks at macabre and gloomy literature from different cultures and periods in prose and poetry. Main campus courses begin March 28. OLLI is a membership-based program, although nonmembers are more than welcome to sign up for classes. Membership is just $35 per year and includes a significant

discount on classes. (Most classes are $5 for members and $25 for nonmembers.) OLLI at CSUB has grown from 90 original members to more than 300. When CSUB’s membership reaches 500, the university becomes eligible to receive a $1 million endowment to continue funding the growth of the program. For a complete schedule of courses and to sign up, visit csub.edu/olli and click the link for the “Current OLLI Schedule.” For more information, call OLLI Coordinator Jennifer Patino at 661-654-2427 or email olli@csub.edu. — Jennifer Baldwin is the public affairs coordinator for Cal State Bakersfield

JOURNEY OF FAITH TO THE HOLY LAND A CATHOLIC PILGRIMAGE TO ISRAEL led by Msgr. Perry Kavookjian & escorted by Lana Hanson

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3,370

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• Walk in the Footsteps of Jesus • Sail in a boat on the Sea Of Galilee • Walk the Via Dolorosa • Visit the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem • Visit the Garden of Gethesemane and many other biblical sites • Daily Mass at sites you only read about in the Bible • Daily Breakfast and dinner and (3) lunches included • All tips to guide & driver included • Air from LAX included

$400 per person holds your space

1617 19th Street - 321-9602 CST#20154240

397-7447 – Ask for Lana for all details 9000 Ming Ave. #T-3

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, March 24, 2011

Eye Street

PHOTO COURTESY OF LISA RUDNICK

Ti Moune (Sizakele Irvin) falls for Daniel (Richard Van Horne) in the Bakersfield High School production of “Once on This Island.”

BHS production set in tropical paradise Upbeat music, story tell tale of Caribbean romance BY MALLORY GARDNER Contributing writer

he Bakersfield High School Performing Arts department is back yet again with a killer production, this time tackling an upbeat musical vaguely similar to the Disney favorite “The Little Mermaid.” “Once on This Island” begins on a stormy night, where Ti Moune, a poor orphan girl, (played by BHS junior Sizakele Irvin, a firsttimer on the Harvey stage) rescues rich Daniel Beauxhomme, (senior Richard Van Horne) and falls in love with him. “There’s something in it for everyone — it’s not too chick-ish,” Irvin said. “It’s different than just going to the movies; it’s not just a conventional musical.” The one-act musical features a variety of interesting characters, some being the gods who enjoy watching the cards play out in Ti Moune’s love life while sending the “be careful what you wish for” vibe. One of these gods is Steven Whyte, a senior at BHS performing in his last production on the Harvey stage. “It’s different from what we usually do. Other productions we’ve done have big lead characters, but this is an ensemble show, and BHS does it really well,” Whyte said. The production has a cast and crew of more than 100 students who are all excited to unveil their four months of preparation. “It has been wonderful to work with such great singers in this production,” said

“Once on This Island” presented by Bakersfield High School When: 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday and April 1 and 2 Where: Harvey Auditorium at BHS, 1241 G St. You can be stranded “Once on This Island” with the cast and crew beginning Friday and Saturday, with additional shows on April 1 and 2. Tickets will be sold at the door for students and adults for $10, but there will be a $5 discount for children 12 and under.

drama teacher Jacquie Thompson-Mercer. “The storytellers and leads have been working hard to add the emotion and acting to this dramatic musical. I can’t wait to see it all come together.” Students have put in countless hours on the performance, the technical aspects and perfecting the live music that will be performed at each show. The music is Caribbean, a perfect setting for entertaining dance numbers and talented vocalists. Ti Moune battles herself (with help from the gods) and the disapproval of others for winning the greatest prize of all: true love. “The audience will have to resist the urge to dance,” said senior Brock Stone, who is also performing in his last BHS production. The musical has received several Tony awards, including best original score, best musical and best choreography. — Mallory Gardner is a student at BHS

Thursday, March 24, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street Ralph Mooney 1928-2011

PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL MANNING

Ralph Mooney plays June 10, 2010 at Marty Stuart’s Late Night Jam at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.

Man played his way into history Steel guitarist helped create Bakersfield Sound BY RANDY LEWIS Los Angeles Times

alph Mooney, the legendary steel guitarist credited with helping create the Bakersfield Sound, has died. Mooney passed away Sunday, in Kennedale, Texas. He was 82. An Academy of Country Music award winner, Mooney’s iconic steel can be heard on tracks by some of the most influential artists of the last several decades, including Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, Wanda Jackson and Waylon Jennings, with whom he performed for more than 20 years. “He was a pioneer and a visionary,” says Jennings’ son, Shooter Jennings. “He coveted his instrument and ultimately improved it. I feel he was one of the last keys to the old outlaw sound, and now it’s gone forever. Thank God for those albums.” Although his health caused him to spend less time in the studio in recent years, Mooney continued playing occasionally until his death, including performing on four songs on Marty Stuart’s 2010 album, “Ghost Train: The Studio B Sessions.” “He was my all-time country music hero as far as musicians go,” Marty notes. “When I was making the ‘Ghost Train’ record, I took it to California with me. I was listening to it as I was driving down Victory Boulevard, and when I heard him play I started crying, because it was always my dream of going to California and hearing my music sound like that.” A songwriter as well as a musician, Mooney also penned the classic Ray Price hit, “Crazy Arms,” that spent an astonishing 20 weeks in the No. 1 slot in 1956. Mooney is survived by his wife of 62 years and their two children. Funeral services were held Wednesday in Arlington, Texas.

GO&DO Today CSUB Roadrunner Baseball vs. Ohio State, 6 p.m. today and Friday; 1 p.m. Saturday, CSUB campus, Hardt Field, 9001 Stockdale Highway. $4 to $7. 654-2583. Fifth annual Bunco Night, hosted by Canyon Hills women’s ministry, 5:30 to 8 p.m., Christine’s, 4915 Stockdale Highway. $25. Proceeds benefit Project Hope Canyon Hills women’s ministry. 871-1150. Fundraising Dinner for Higher Education, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., The Patino Hall, 425 30th St. $35 per person; $350 for table of eight. 340-4437 or 778-9159. Toddler Time, music, stories, nursery rhymes for children through 2 years old, 11 to 11:30 a.m., Southwest Branch Library, 8301 Ming Ave. Free. 664-7716. “Women’s History Month: Women, Politics and the Personal,” featuring “Feminist Politics and the Market in Human Eggs” with Patricia Jennings, 6:30 p.m., Bakersfield College, Fireside Room, 1801 Panorama Drive. 395-4350.

Friday 10th annual Golf Tournament, presented by Kern Association of Health Underwriters; registration and lunch 11 a.m., shotgun start at 12:30 p.m., Sundale Country Club, 6218 Sundale Ave. $125 per person; $500 per team. Proceeds benefit Kern County Burn Survivors Trust Fund. 888-805-2567. Condors vs. Las Vegas, 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Tickets: Rabobank box office, bakersfieldcondors.com or 324-7825. Parents’ Night Out, open to children 5 to 17; movie, activities and dinner, 6 to 10 p.m., Stockdale Boys & Girls Club, 5207 Young St., Suite 200. $15 per child. 663-8733. Sporting Clay Shoot, sponsored by the Association of Petroleum Wives, check-in 7:30 a.m., begins at 9 a.m., Kern County Gun Club, 12450 Shotgun Road. $90 per person. 616-8730. “The Measure of a Man” Film Premiere (read more on Page 20) War, Los Lobos, Mento Buru (read more on Page 23)

Saturday Annual Rose & Plant Sale, hosted by the Kern County Rose Society, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Hall Letter Shop, 5200 Rosedale Highway. 393-6861. Bakersfield West Rotary’s Cioppino Feed (read more on Page 22) Beginning Guitar Lesson, bring your own, learn to play songs, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., Beale Memorial Library, Tejon Room, 701 Truxtun Ave. Free. 868-0770. Book Signing, with author D.G. Flamand of “Swim and the Bubble Show,” and “Tommy and the Butterflies,” and more, 10 a.m. Saturday, Dagny’s Coffee Co., 1600 20th St. 634-0806. Bunco Night: “Roll’n For Heart Screenings,” 6 to 9 p.m., Cactus Valley Mexican Restaurant, 4215 Rosedale Highway. $25. 301-5846. Charity Rummage Sale, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., Independent Living Center, 1631 30th Street. All proceeds benefit Independent Living Center. 325-1063. “College: Making it Happen! Building Your Future Brick by Brick,” an academic and financial planning presentation, registration at 8 a.m., program from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., CSUB,

HENRY A. BARRIOS / THE CALIFORNIAN

Camella, a Cardigan Welsh corgi owned by Bill Shelton, waits patiently during the 2010 Kern County Kennel Club All Breed Dog Show at the Kern County Fairgrounds.

Go & Do Kern County Kennel Club Back to Back All Breed Dog Shows, demonstrations by the Kern County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit, Kern County Firefighters Search & Rescue, and the Bakersfield Police Department K-9 Unit, gates open at 7:30 a.m., event from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. $4 adults; $3 seniors; $2 children ages 10-16; free for children under 10. kerncountykennelclubinc.com or 397-7514 or 332-1905. Icardo Center, 9001 Stockdale Highway. To register, email nweathersppon@csub.edu or 654-6157. David Gordon Plein Air Workshop, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Hart Park. $60 nonmembers; $50 members. Pre-register and payment needed ahead of time, 8692320. Derby Revolution of Bakersfield Tournament, 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, Saunders Park, 3300 Palm St. $10 to $25; under 5 free. 706-0984. Design Reflections: Art & Mirrors Trunk Show, 10 a.m. to noon, Beladagio, 9500 Brimhall Road, Suite 705. Free. 8292288. Eighth annual Bakersfield Spring Ring Concert (read more on Page 25) Fight for Life, benefits the American Cancer Society, with mixed martial arts fights, poker tournament, full casino, wine tasting and much more, starts at 5 p.m., Advanced Industrial Services, 34933 Imperial Ave. $100 per person. 837-0477. Great Strides Walk 2011 (read more on Page 29). Healthy Bakersfield Kids Expo (read more on Page 27) “I Am Somebody” Youth Empowerment Workshop, with interactive songs, dance movements, music, drums, poetry, 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Su Studio Dance Academy, 1515 21st St. $5 per child. africandance classes.com or 760-917-3685. Kern County Kennel Club Back to Back All Breed Dog Shows, demonstrations by the Kern County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit, Kern County Firefighters Search & Rescue, and the Bakersfield Police Department K-9 Unit, gates open at 7:30 a.m., event from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. $4 adults; $3 seniors; $2 children ages 10-16; free for children under 10.

kerncountykennelclubinc.com or 397-7514 or 332-1905. Kern Kaweah Chapter, Sierra Club annual Awards Banquet, speaker Bob Schildgen, 12:30 p.m., Benji’s, 4001 Rosedale Highway. 822-4371. Kids Free Day, last Saturday of every month, CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. 872-2256. Local History Lecture Series, “You Can Do It! Cesar Chavez and the Farm Workers Movement in Kern County,” presented by Oliver Rosales, 11 a.m., Beale Memorial Library, Tejon Room, 701 Truxtun Ave. Free. 868-0770. Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinic, for Lamont dogs only, St. Augustine Church, 10601 Myrtle Ave., Lamont. Prepayment of $10 is required. Call Alpha Canine, 391-8212. Omnipresent Puppet Theatre, presents “The Fisherman’s Wife,” 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $6. 587-3377. Shafter vs. Wasco Alumni Football Game, 7 p.m., Wasco High School, 1900 7th St., Wasco. $10, $5 seniors and students with ID. 758-7400. Tea Cup Floral Arrangement Class, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Log Cabin Florist, 800 19th St. $25. 327-8646. V-Fair, vendors, info booths, live performances, art and more, 2 to 5:30 p.m., The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. 327-PLAY.

Sunday Wildlife Rehabilitation Course, become a volunteer to care for CALM’s young and injured animals; 3 to 5 p.m., CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. Interested individuals also need to attend April 3 and 10. 872-2256 ext. 15.

THEATER “Bang Bang, You’re Dead,” 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Bakersfield Community Theatre, 2400 S. Chester Ave. $12 adults, $10 students. 831-8114. “Bedlam at Sam Lynn Ball Park,” 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $12 to $23. 587-3377. Improv Comedy Show, with Center For Improv Advancement, 8 to 9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Ice House, 3401 Chester Ave., Suite M. Adults: $5 on Friday and Saturdays, children under 12 are $1 every day. ciacomedy.com.Comedy. “The Phantom of the Opera,” doors open at 6:30 p.m., show at 7 to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Frontier High School, Performing Arts Center, 6401 Allen Rd. $10 adults; $8 students. 829-1107 ext. 68218. “The Tuesday’s Guide to a Happy Life,” comedy benefitting The Alliance Against Family Violence, 8 p.m. Friday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $10. 327-7529. Major League Improv, improvisational comedy show, appropriate for families, 6 p.m. Saturdays, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. Free but donations are accepted. 327PLAY. Omnipresent Puppet Theatre, presents “The Fisherman’s Wife,” 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall, 12748 Jomani Drive. $6. 5873377. “The Vagina Monologues,” 11 p.m. Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $20 advance; $25 at the door. 327-PLAY. Please see PAGE 32

The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, March 24, 2011

Eye Street CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31

ART Art show, about literacy, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Contextual,â&#x20AC;? now through April 30, Padre Hotel, 1702 18th St. 427-4900. â&#x20AC;&#x153;California Perspectives 2011,â&#x20AC;? exhibit on display now through April 2, Younger Gallery (located in the Bank of America tower), 1430 Truxtun Ave., Suite 105. 3249000. Exhibits on Display, California Fiber Artists: Fiber Optics; Simple Complexities: Still Lifes by Angus Wilson; A Common Thread: Kern County Quilters; Cathy Breslaw/ Explorations: Space and Light, now until May 29, Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St. bmoa.org or 323-7219.

Air Supply

Thursday, April 14

!! "

Live at the Den

THIS WEEKEND March 25-27

# $ % & # The Beach Band â&#x20AC;&#x201D;10pm to 1:30am ' # $ ( ' $ # ( % DM Seals â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 10pm to 1:30am ' # $ ) * + Spun by DJ Juice â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 9pm to 1am

Dance classes, beginning west coast swing, intermediate/advanced west coast swing with instructor Mimi Johanson, at 8214 Mossrock Drive. Call 927-7001 for details. Whirlaways Square Dance Club, has workshops/classes every first, third, fourth and fifth Mondays, Park Stockdale Civic Association Community Center, 205 Rio Bravo Drive. whirlaways.org or 398-3394. African Dance for Fitness, taught by national touring artists, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Su Studio Dance Academy, 1515 21st St. $5 to $7 per class. 760-917-3685 or africandanceclasses.com. Beginner Belly Dance Lessons, 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Centre Stage Studio, 1710 Chester Ave. 323-5215.

MUSIC

Classic rock

B. Ryderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; DJ â&#x20AC;&#x153;SK,â&#x20AC;? 8:30 p.m. today. Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749; DJ James, 9 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays. Free. Banacekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lounge, 4601 State Road, 3879224; with DJ Casey Overstreet, 9 p.m. Fridays. Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 834-1611; with DJ Chill in the Mixx, 5 p.m. every Friday until 2 a.m. Saturday. The Bull Shed Bar & Grill, at Hotel Rosedale, 2400 Camino Del Rio Court, 3270681; with Meg, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; The Usual Suspects, 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. T-Bones Steakhouse, 8020 District Blvd., 398-1300; Tony Ernst, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Friday; Elevation 406, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday.

Comedy The Oasis, 414 North St., Taft, 765-5188; Comedy Hypnosis Show with Brian Parks, 8 p.m. Saturday. $10.

Country Troutâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s & the Blackboard Stages, 805 N. Chester Ave., 399-6700:, offers karaoke, line dancing, West Coast Swing among other various activities. Call for times and days. Buck Owensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd., 328-7560; Buddy Alan & the Buckaroos, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Ethelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Old Corral, 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway, 873-7613; Twang Bangers, 7 to 11 p.m. Friday; Noah Claunch, 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Post 26â&#x20AC;? American Legion Hall, 2020 H St., 324-9435; live country music and dancing with Bobby Durham, doors open at 6:30 p.m., from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. every Saturday. $10 includes one drink. $1 menu snack food available. Tejon Club, 117 El Tejon Ave., 392-1747; Crossroads, 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday. Sandriniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, 1918 Eye St., 322-8900; Vince Galindo, 9 p.m. Wednesday.

Dancing Joaquin Squares, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. today, Rasmussen Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane. $5. 324-1390, 325-3086 or 399-3658. Folklorico Classes, advance dancers/performing group 6 to 8 p.m. Fridays; and beginners, all ages, 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays, Fruitvale-Norris Park, 6221 Norris Road. $22 per month for beginners; $25 per month for advance dancers. 833-8790. Mavericks Singles, ballroom and country dancing with music by Country George, 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Kern City Town Hall, 1003 Pebble Beach Drive. $6 member; $8 guest. 831-9241.. Pairs and Spares Dance, 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Rasmussen Senior Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane. $5; $7 nonmembers. 3993575 or 332-1537. Country Dance, with music provided Jerri Arnold & Stars & Guitars, jam session, all artists welcome, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane.

Jazz Cafe Med, 4809 Stockdale Highway., 8344433; Richie Perez, 7:30 to 11 p.m. Thursdays. Padre Hotel, Prospect Room, 1702 18th St., 427-4900; Sangria Sundays, 6 p.m. Sunday. Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant, 4140 Truxtun Ave., 633-WINE; live music & wine bar with featuring Jazz Connection, along with 24 wines, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Intimate Theatre & Music Hall, 2030 19th St., 323-1976; Ron Christian and his Big Band, 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Padre Hotel, Roof Top Venue, 1702 18th St., 427-4900; Jazz & Martinis, 7 p.m. Tuesday. Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 834-1611; Bakersfield Jazz Workshop, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. every Wednesday.

Karaoke Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursdays and Sundays. Cactus Valley Mexican Restaurant, 4215 Rosedale Highway, 633-1948; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday; beer pong and happy hour all day Sunday. Cataldoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pizza, 4200 New Stine Road, 397-5000; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. today. Don Perico Restaurant, 2660 Oswell St., Suite 133, 871-2001; 7 to 11 p.m. Thursdays. Pour House, 4041 Fruitvale Ave., 5899300; 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. T-Bones Steakhouse, 8020 District Blvd., 398-1300; with Irish Monkey Entertainment, 6:30 to 11 p.m. Thursdays. The Old River Monte Carlo, 9750 Taft Highway, 837-0250; 8:30 p.m. Thursdays. The Wright Place, 2695-G Mount Vernon Ave., 872-8831, 8 p.m. Thursdays. Please see PAGE 33

Thursday, March 24, 2011 The Bakersfield Californian

Eye Street CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32

Tomi’s Cowgirl Cafe, 1440 Weedpatch Highway, 633-1949; Karaoke King Show, all ages, 7 to 10 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays. Julie’s The Branding Iron Saloon, 1807 N. Chester Ave., 6 to 10 p.m. Fridays. Maria Bonita Mexican Restaurant, 10701 Highway 178, 366-3261, 7 to 11 p.m. Fridays. All ages. The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 831-1413; hosted by Ed Loverr, 9 p.m. to midnight Friday. The Regent, 2814 Niles St., 8714140; 8:30 p.m. every other Friday. Chateau Lounge, 2100 S. Chester Ave., 835-1550; 9 p.m. Saturdays. Del Rio Cocktail Lounge, 5840 State Road, 393-0262; 8 p.m. Saturdays. Pyrenees Cafe, 601 Sumner, 3230053; 8 p.m. to midnight Saturdays. Rocket Shop Cafe, 2000 S. Union Ave., 832-4800; 8:30 p.m. to midnight Saturday. Sports & Spirits, 6633 Ming Ave., 398-7077; 9 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays. Tejon Club, 117 El Tejon Ave., 3921747; 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday. Camino Real Restaurant, 3500 Truxtun Ave., 852-0493; 9:30 p.m. Sundays. The Playhouse, 2915 Taft Highway; 397-3599; 7 to 10 p.m. Sundays. Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749; 8 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays. Schweitzer’s Pit Stop, 10807 Rosedale Highway, 587-8888; 8 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays. The Wrecking Yard, 9817 S. Union Ave., 827-9192; 7 to 10 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; 8 p.m. Tuesday. Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd., 3287560; 7:30 to 10 p.m. Tuesdays. Cataldo’s Pizzeria, 6111 Niles St., 363-7200; 6:15 to 10:15 p.m. Tuesdays. DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court; 8 p.m. to midnight Tuesdays. Le Corusse Rouge, 4647 White Lane, 834-1611; A to Z Karaoke, 8 p.m. to midnight Tuesdays. Lone Oak Inn, 10612 Rosedale Highway, 589-0412; 8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. Magoo’s Pizza, 1129 Olive Drive, 399-7800; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday. McMurphy’s Irish Pub & Sports Bar, 14 Monterey St., 869-1451; 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesdays. Round Table Pizza, 2060 White Lane, 836-2700; 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday. The Bull Shed Bar & Grill, at Hotel Rosedale, 2400 Camino Del Rio Court, 327-0681; 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Tanner Urmston plays the Phantom and Haley Sullivan is Christine in Frontier High School’s production of “The Phantom of the Opera.”

Elevation Lounge, 818 Real Road, 325-6864; Elevation 406, 9 p.m. Friday. The Gate, 2010 O St., 323-4162; Living 11, Broken Down Boulevard, Matthan Hillberg, 7 p.m. Friday; Rise, Stomping Ground, Reliance, Of Athena, Rugged Spud, Under City Skies, 7 p.m. Saturday. $7 per night. The Mint, 1207 19th Street, 3254048; Red Bullet Rising, Workhorse, 9 p.m. Saturday. Jerry’s Pizza, 1817 Chester Ave., 633-1000; Atticus Young & Restless Tour featuring Our Last Night & Attila, Arsonists Get All The Girls, A Bullet for Pretty Boy, Armor for the Broken, Across the Sun, 6 p.m. Tuesday. $15 including fee. Tickets at tgptix.com or World Records, Wavelengths, Impact Streetwear, Outer Limits or Hoggz Surfshop.

Go & Do

Songwriters

FELIX ADAMO / THE CALIFORNIAN

“The Phantom of the Opera,” doors open at 6:30 p.m., show at 7 to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Frontier High School, Performing Arts Center, 6401 Allen Road. $10 adults; $8 students. 829-1107 ext. 68218. Trout’s & The Blackboard Stages, 805 N. Chester Ave., 3996700; 7 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749; 8 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays. Ethel’s Old Corral, 4310 Alfred Harrell Highway, 873-7613; 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays.

Oldies KC Steakhouse, 2515 F St., 3229910; Jimmy Gaines, Bobby O and Mike Halls, 6:30 p.m. today through Saturday.

Old School Que Pasa Mexican Cafe, 2701 Ming Ave., 832-5011; Al Garcia & the Rhythm Kings, 8 to 11 p.m. Thursdays. Tam O’Shanter, 2345 Alta Vista, 324-6774; The Press, 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Rock Jerry’s Pizza, 1817 Chester Ave., 633-1000; Senses Fail, The Ghost Inside, Man Overboard and Transit, doors open 6 p.m. today. $18. Tickets at tgptix.com or World Records, Wavelengths, Impact Streetwear, Outer Limits or Hoggz Surfshop. Rockstarz Party Bar, 7737 Meany Ave., Suite B5, 589-6749; live bands, 9 p.m. Thursdays. Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 3228900; The People’s Band, 9 p.m. to midnight Thursday; D.C. Fallout, No Bueno, Black Sails Western Shores, 9 p.m. Saturday. B. Ryder’s Sports Bar & Grill, 7401 White Lane, 397-7304; Good Question, 9 p.m. Friday. $5.

The Prime Cut, 9500 Brimhall Road, 831-1413; Chuck Seaton and Billy Russell’s Songwriter’s Showcase, 7 p.m. Wednesdays.

Top 40 DoubleTree Hotel, Club Odyssey, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court. 323-7111; 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. every Friday.

Trivia night Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge, 3090 Brundage Lane, 325-2139; 7 p.m. Tuesdays. Sandrini’s, 1918 Eye St., 3228900; Trivia Night with Dave Rezac, 10 p.m. Tuesdays.

Variety Golden State Mall, 3201 F St., Dance to Joe Loco, 2 to 5 p.m. Sundays.

UPCOMING EVENTS Tuesday 3/29 24th annual Kern County Regional Science Fair, 9 a.m., Rabobank Convention Center. 6364640. Bakersfield College welcomes CSI actors David Berman and Jon Wellner of “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” who will be discussing forensic science, how the forensic tests work, how that all relates to the development of the show and how it affects real life, question and answer session, noon to 1 p.m., Bakersfield College, Fireside Room, 1801 Panorama Drive. 395-4298. Get Hooked: Crochet for beginners, 5 p.m., Beale Memorial Library, Lake Room, 701 Truxtun Ave. 868-0770.

Wednesday 3/30 Art in the Afternoon, 3:30 p.m., Beale Memorial Library, Arkelian Children’s Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. 868-0770. “Women’s History Month: Women, Politics and the Personal,” featuring “Women

Taking Action,” 11 a.m., Bakersfield College, Fireside Room, 1801 Panorama Drive. 395-4350.

Thursday 3/31 Ladies Active 20-30 Trivia Night, with raffle, 7 p.m., Fishlips Bar & Grill, 1517 18th St. $5. Proceeds benefit local children. Living History Day: Frontier Life in Kern County, costumed docent-led tours, 9 to 11:30 a.m., Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave. $10 adults; $9 students (13-17)/seniors; $8 (612); $7 children 3 to 5; under 3 are free. 852-5000. National Day of Service, volunteer to restore the center, 9 a.m., National Chavez Center, 29700 Woodford -Tehachapi Road, Keene. Free lunch. 823-6271. Sexual Assault Awareness Month Kick-Off, with presentations of proclamations, resolutions from city, county, state political representatives, 6 p.m., University Square, 2000 K St. 3220931. “The Curious Savage,” comedy about money and greed, 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, South High School, lecture center, 1101 Planz Road. $6 adults; $5 students; children under 5 are free. 831-3680. The Pink Floyd Experience, 7:30 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $25 to $48 plus fee. ticketmaster.com or 800-7453000. Toddler Time, music, stories, nursery rhymes for children through 2 years old, 11 to 11:30 a.m., Southwest Branch Library, 8301 Ming Ave. Free. 664-7716.

Friday 4/1 Biblical Hebrew in its original context seminar, teacher Brad Scott will delve into the language in which the Bible was written, 7 to 9 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday; 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Centennial High School, 8601 Hageman. Free. CD Release Party, by Soulajar, 8 p.m., Fishlips Bar & Grill, 1517 18th St. $20. 324-2557. Celebiography, readings of celebrity autobiographies, 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $5. 327-PLAY. “Driving Miss Daisy,” doors open at 6 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; doors open at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Stars Dinner Theatre, 1931 Chester Ave. $45 to $55; show-only tickets $35; matinee $46 to $50. 325-6100. First Friday Downtown, featuring live music, art openings, specialty shops, galleries and boutiques, artists will set up their artwork, 5 to 9 p.m., Downtown Arts District. 634-9598. FLICS International Cinema Society, presents “The White Ribbon,” 7:30 p.m., Bakersfield Fox Theater, 2001 H St. $5. flics.org or call 428-0354. Guild House First Friday, live music, light appetizers, dessert

and wine, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Guild House, 1905 18th St. $7. 3255478. Sugar Sugar, cabaret dance troupe, 8 p.m., The Empty Space, 706 Oak St. $10. Email SugarSugarCabaret@gmail.com. U.S. Army Arena Bowl, 7 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $6 plus fee. ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000.

Saturday 4/2 16th anniversary of Buena Vista Museum, with dinner, entertainment, drawing, 5:30 to 8 p.m., Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, 2018 Chester Ave. $35 per person. 324-6350. 16th annual Kern County Scottish Gathering and Games, presented by the Kern County Scottish Society featuring Celtic entertainment, athletics, ethnic foods, merchandise and more, starts at 9 a.m., Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 S. P St. $12 to $25; children 10 and under free, Tickets available online at kernscot.com and at World Records. 374-4944. Al B Sure, doors open at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m., Nile Theater, 1721 19th St. $26. vallitix.com or 3225200. Bakersfield Diamond Divas’ Hamburger Feed, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Noble Park, 700 South P St. $5; proceeds benefit the Bakersfield Diamond Divas’ and the Kern County Shrine Club. 3223848. Bakersfield Diamond Divas vs. Kern County Rollergirls, Roller Derby, 6:30 p.m., Rollerama, 1004 34th St. $10; $5 children under 12. 487-0165. Cover the Field Pink Softball Tournament, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., North Rosedale Park, 3635 Jewetta Ave. $225 per team. Proceeds benefit Relay for Life’s local team, Keep the Faith. 3992642. “Geology of Yosemite National Park,” with geologist Tim Elam, 3 p.m., Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, 2018 Chester Ave. 324-6350. Just for Kids, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, 2018 Chester Ave. $7 adults; $5 students w/ID, seniors; $4 for children under 18; 5 and under are free. Members are free. 324-6350. KCHS All-Star Basketball Game, presented by U.S. Army, 3 p.m., Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave. $6 plus fee. ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000. Kern Audubon Society, field trip to Kern Water Bank, 7 a.m. Bring water and snacks. kernaudubonsociety.org or 8321820. Kern River Valley Hiking Club, trip to Tejon Ranch, leave at 8 a.m., Starbucks Coffee, 2200 Panama Lane. Bring lunch and 2 quarts of water. Dress appropriately. For directions, visit lakeisabella.net/hiking or 7783453.